How to Connect Your AirPods to Your Android Smartphone--Is it Possible?

Sieeka Khan, Tech Times 31 March 2021, 03:03 pm

Android users have a lot of options when it comes to wireless earbuds. However, Apple's AirPods are tempting to use with Android phones, and luckily it is possible.

Whether you switched from iPhone to Android, you received AirPods as a gift, or if you simply want to use Apple's wireless buds, you can now match your Android phone and your AirPods.

It is important to remember that you will lose some of the features that AirPods are known for. Features like quick paring and active noise cancellation may work, but not all the time, plus the audio quality may not be the same.

Of course, Apple's AI assistant, Siri, won't be available for use.

Nonetheless, AirPods and Android are an unconventional match that is worth investing your time in.

Pairing AirPods and Android

When pairing AirPods with an Android phone, you won't get the fancy iPhone method of opening the AirPods case and waiting for a prompt to appear and pair the devices.

Instead, you will have to use the tried-and-true method of diving into your device's Bluetooth settings, as per PCMag.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro vs Airpods Pro: Specs, Price, Leaks, and MORE

First, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel. Long-press on the Bluetooth icon. Then depending on your phone, you may have to select Add New Device or Pair New Device.

With the AirPods in the charging case, open the lid and take the earbuds out. On the back of the case is a small button, press and hold the button until the indicator light starts blinking white.

If you have AirPods Max, you will need to take them out of their smart case and then hold in the noise control button until the indicator light on the bottom of the right ear cup blinks white. Your AirPods will then show up in the pairing menu on your Android phone. Select them and follow any prompts on your phone.

With the AirPods connected to your Android phone, you can use them like any other Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. They will autoconnect when taken out of the case, and disconnect when you put them back in the case.

According to Tom's Guide, if your Android phone supports reverse wireless charging, you can charge AirPods with a wireless charging case on the back of the phone. They will also charge wirelessly through other Qi-supported pad, or through Apple's Lightning cable.

Features you might miss out on

If you are using the AirPods with an iPhone or another Apple product, you won't be able to access every feature. Some may not be able to control AirPods Pro's playback on an Android phone by squeezing the stem of the earbuds.

You may need to turn the noise cancellation on and off with a long squeeze on either bud. Controlling playback on standard AirPods is also possible with just a tap on either bud, according to Android Authority.

There are third-party applications that let you see the battery levels by opening the case next to your phone. Use an app called AirBattery, which is free and have positive reviews from its users.

One feature that you might miss out on is auto-pause and resume when you take an AirPod out and you put it back in your ear.